Breer: Pats missing Hernandez on Sunday “a virtual certainty”

Pregame work for NE-DEN—Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez is a virtual certainty to miss the Bronco game, I’m told, but could be back for Wk 6.

New England is still loaded without Hernandez, as evidenced by their 52 points and 580 yards of offense against Buffalo. Rob Gronkowski still looms as a devastating TE, and Denver has had their problems covering that position. But Gronk also missed practice yesterday due to a hip injury.

However you cut it, the Patriots being without Hernandez is a boon to Denver's chances on Sunday.